Heavy rain causes road havoc in North Island

A slip has left one of the country's most popular scenic highways is down to one lane with motorists being urged to avoid the road.

The New Zealand Transport Agency says a slip was now covering a section of State Highway 25 near Kuranui Bay, just three kilometres north of Thames.

The popular Coromandel tourist road was under traffic management but the agency was advising motorists to avoid the area or delay journeys north today.

Slip Caution: #SH25 Kuranui Bay, north of Thames, under Stop/Go traffic management: https://t.co/KiJha10qlo ^TP pic.twitter.com/EOA1BBwrt6

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) June 23, 2016

A second incident in Bay of Plenty had left motorists navigating floodwaters with water across State Highway 2 at the Kaikokopu Stream Bridge near Little Waihi.

The road agency said while the bridge was still passable motorists were advised to take care.

The MetService today warned eastern regions could expect to be lashed by severe winds for the next 12 hours.

Flooding Caution: Water across #SH2 Kaikokopu Steam Bridge. Passable With Care: https://t.co/8sIwIjRejk ^TP pic.twitter.com/2UiO7sJd32

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) June 23, 2016

Damaging 120km/h gusts were expected south of Napier to north of Masterton from this afternoon to early Friday morning.

MetService warned the strong westerly winds had the potential to damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.

MetService Radar: red & purple colours show heavy downpours of rain. Latest images @ https://t.co/BmvSvfEaLb ^Lisa pic.twitter.com/hIkzmOjg0B

— MetService (@MetService) June 23, 2016

Motorists driving high-sided vehicles or motorcycles were also warned to take care in the hazardous conditions.